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National Situation Update: Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED).

Significant National Weather

South
The system that brought severe thunderstorms today will lose steam overnight as it moves eastward into Georgia by Wednesday morning.  The line may regain intensity by afternoon as it pushes through the Carolinas.  Severe thunderstorms are possible and tornado development cannot be ruled out. Conditions back through the Mississippi Valley up through Kentucky will improve by morning.  High temperatures, behind the strong line of thunderstorms, range from the 30s in far northeast Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas to the 80s on the Florida Peninsula and parts of the eastern Carolinas.

Northeast
The Northeast will see rain and snow today with some locations picking up mixed precipitation.  Southern New York and Pennsylvania into southern New England will also see a possibility for heavy rain.  Snow and sleet will fall in northern New York to extreme northern New England.  Burlington, Vermont may see 3 to 6 inches of snow.  There is a possibility for flooding in parts of Upstate New York, southern Pennsylvania, northern New Jersey and southern New England.  High temperatures will range from the 20s in extreme northern New York and New England to near 80 in southeastern Virginia.

Midwest
A band of heavy snow will extend from Kansas to Michigan through today.  The heaviest snow may fall in eastern Iowa and across northern Illinois to parts of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Farther west, a few snow showers or flurries could develop over North Dakota, western South Dakota and northwest Nebraska. During the morning, the threat of a few severe thunderstorms may linger over the southern two-thirds of Ohio and eastern Kentucky.  High temperatures will range from the teens in parts of the Upper Midwest to the 60s in southeastern Kentucky.

West
Pockets of heavy snow are forecasted for the Northern Rockies today along with gusty winds resulting in blowing and drifting snow.  The next storm system will produce more significant rain, snow and wind across the Pacific Northwest through Wednesday night.  High temperatures range from the teens in the Rockies to near 70 in Arizona. (NWS)

Tornado Outbreak

Arkansas:
State EOC is fully activated.  Thirty-three reported tornadoes. Six counties reporting damage at this time. There are three confirmed deaths although media is reporting seventeen along with multiple injuries. Two shelters are open; no count on occupancy. FEMA Liaison will be sent to EOC. (FEMA Region VI)

Mississippi:
MS EOC is fully activated. Several tornadoes touched down in Lafayette, Alcorn and DeSoto Counties causing extensive damage in both. Injuries were reported in  DeSoto and Alcorn County. MS Emergency Management Agency reports three fatalities. MEMA Area Coordinators and SERT Chief deployed to DeSoto and Lafayette Counties. MEMA IA personnel will assist in damage assessment today. ARC is opening one shelter and the Salvation Army canteen vehicle was dispatched to Oxford. FEMA Liaison officer is on site in the EOC. The Mobile EOC has been dispatched. (FEMA Region IV)

Tennessee:
TN State EOC fully activated. Numerous tornados touched down in Shelby County and in Memphis, TN causing significant damage to the Hickory Ridge Mall in Shelby County. Search and rescue operations conducted; four rescued and two remain trapped with multiple injuries reported. The City of Jackson reported as many as 85 injuries. Union University, located in Jackson, reported two women's dormitories and one men's dormitory were destroyed along with multiple injuries. There was also damage reported to the FedEx airport hangar at the Memphis International Airport. Media is reporting deaths associated with these storms. Memphis Gas Light and Water reported approximately 11,000 without power. A Liquid Natural Gas pumping station in Gallatin, TN, exploded and caught fire due to a lightning strike. The upstream and downstream valves were secured allowing the fire burn out.  A FEMA Liaison is enroute to the TN EOC. The FIRST Atlanta is deploying to Nashville/Jackson.  (FEMA Region IV)

Kentucky:
KY EOC is fully activated. A local State of Emergency was declared for Muhlenberg County following reports of multiple tornadoes touching down in Hopkins and Muhlenberg Counties. Three confirmed fatalities in Muhlenberg County. Thirty National Guard troops assigned to assist local law enforcement with security and traffic control in Central City. Two ARC shelters are open in Muhlenberg County; population unknown. No damage reports received at this time. FEMA Liaisons enroute to EOC. (FEMA Region IV)

Texas Fires

Texas Governor has certified that 184 counties are currently threatened by extreme fire hazard. The TX SOC is activated at Level I, Emergency Conditions. FEMA State Liaison on stationed at TX SOC.
TFS has established a Fire Base in Granbury with two Air Attack aircraft on station. As of February 4, 2008, fire occurrence for past sevens days: Texas Forestry Service (TFS) reported 72 fires covering 61,574 acres and Volunteer Fire Departments reported 331 fires covering 49,480 acres. TX SOC activated 12 aircraft from Texas Military Forces; 6 UH-60s in Austin, 4 UH-60s in San Antonio and 2 CH-47s w/Water Bucket and Personnel in Grand Prairie. Two UH-60 helicopters, from the state of Louisiana, arrived in Grand Prairie to provide additional fire suppression resources. Four Type I helicopters were ordered for the high probability of additional large fires this week along with two additional strike teams of dozers. Texas Department of Transportation is providing fuel for fire fighting apparatus, 3 maintainers, a bulldozer, 14 other vehicles, 20 personnel and 7 dynamic message signs. (FEMA Region VI, TX EOC)

Midwest Winter Storm

Wisconsin:
WS EOC will partially activate at 2:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. CST February 6, 2008. Winter Storm Warning is in effect until 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 6, 2008 for all of southern Wisconsin. The heaviest snow fall will occur in Walworth, Racine and Kenosha counties with accumulations of 18-20 inches. No requests for Federal assistance. (FEMA Region V)

Northwest Winter Storm

Washington:
Washington (WA) Governor declared a State of Emergency in 16 counties of Eastern Washington as a result of recent significant snowfall. WA State EOC remains activated at Phase II, with ESF-1 (Transportation) activated to support interstate highway closures. No requests for Federal assistance.

Idaho:
Idaho Governor declared a statewide State of Emergency as a result of recent significant snowfall.
State EOC is activated at Phase III Emergency Operations. The National Guard is assisting with snow removal in six counties. One shelter is open with zero occupants. No requests for federal assistance.(NWS, FEMA Region X, Media Sources)

Midwest Flooding Update

Illinois:
Runoff from overnight rainfall and melted snow resulted in rapid rises along portions of the Iroquois, Kankakee and Vermilion Rivers. Flood Warning continues for the Rock River in Henry, Rock Island and Whiteside Counties.

Indiana:
Indiana EOC is activated to Level III, increased staffing; National Guard Rep on site with two FEMA Liaisons enroute. National Weather Service has issued Flood Warnings for all of Indiana. Flooding will approach and exceed January 2008 flood levels in some areas. Three shelters are open in response to forecast tornadoes and further flooding.

Michigan:
Flood Warning continues for the Grand River affecting Kent County.

Ohio
A Flood Warning has been issued for the Maumee River near Grand Rapids and Waterville, Ohio.  Moderate flooding is forecast. The river is forecast to rise above Flood Stage by the evening of Wednesday February 6, 2008.  (FEMA Region V)

Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)

No new activity to report.  (FEMA HQ)

Tropical Weather Outlook

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Earthquake Activity

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Preliminary Damage Assessments

No new activity (FEMA HQ)

Disaster Declaration Activity

• Major Disaster Declaration, FEMA-1742-DR for Missouri has been approved.
• Result of severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred January 7-10, 2008.
• FCO is Michael L. Parker.
• The declaration authorizes Public Assistance for 9 counties and Hazard Mitigation for all counties.  (FEMA HQ)